How Golf Advice and Caddie Rules Work Explainer
During a round, a golfer may ask for advice from the player's caddie or, in partner formats, an authorized partner and that partner's caddie. Advice includes recommendations that could influence club selection, stroke choice, or method of play. Asking another competitor which club to hit can therefore breach the rule.
Public information is different. Players may discuss distances, the location of hazards, the Rules, or where the flagstick sits because those facts are not strategic recommendations. The line is crossed when the information becomes a suggestion about how the player should make the next stroke.
A caddie may carry clubs, provide permitted advice, tend the flagstick, and help in other authorized ways. But the caddie may not deliberately stand on or close to the extension of the player's line behind the ball while the player begins taking a stance, subject to the putting-green exception for backing away.
The player is generally responsible for the caddie's rule breaches during the round. A golfer also may not briefly hire a second caddie solely to obtain advice. Rule 10 protects personal decision-making while still allowing the traditional player-caddie partnership to guide tactics and preparation.
No. That is advice.
No. Public information such as distance and hazard location may be shared.
The player generally receives the penalty.
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